Siaya Governor James Orengo says he is increasingly being forced to look beyond the government for his personal security, accusing the State of repeatedly withdrawing his guards at politically sensitive moments and turning the protection of elected leaders into an instrument of political intimidation.
In a pointed indictment of what he describes as the weaponisation of state security, Mr Orengo said he was now relying on the goodwill of members of the public and private security personnel to protect him, even as his political engagements expose him to potential danger.
The governor said the repeated withdrawal of his security had left him questioning whether he could continue to depend on the government for protection.
“I am almost getting to the conclusion that I should not care about getting security from the government. I should try and get the people to protect me and also engage my own personal security,” said Mr Orengo in an interview with the Daily Nation at his Kisumu residence.
The county boss said the withdrawals had become a recurring feature of his political life, particularly when the opposition was preparing for major public engagements or when politically charged events were taking place.
He expressed deep frustration at the pattern, arguing that security arrangements should be guided by the risks facing a leader rather than the political temperature of the moment.
“The withdrawal of my security usually happens a lot of times when there is an ongoing issue. Public activities of the opposition or events like the Raila anniversary where I need security. I am very offended because it is not the first time that this is happening,” said Mr Orengo.
Siaya Governor James Orengo during an interview in Kisumu on October 16, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
He cited the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay as another instance in which his security was allegedly withdrawn despite the potential danger facing him and other opposition leaders.
The Siaya governor linked the withdrawals to what he described as worrying remarks by President William Ruto, which he said could be interpreted as threats against opposition leaders.
Mr Orengo drew parallels with the circumstances surrounding the death of former Cabinet Minister Robert Ouko, warning that statements by those in power could have consequences beyond their intended meaning.
“The president made a worrying statement that sounded like a warning. I was told that the death of former Minister Robert Ouko arose out of a statement that President Daniel Moi may have made. So, when these things happen, they are not by chance,” said Mr Orengo.
He also condemned what he termed the weaponisation of the criminal justice system, including the police, against those holding dissenting views.
“When it is weaponised to hunt down those who may be having dissenting views from the government, then it causes fear, discordancy, and lack of confidence in the entities that run security in the country,” said Mr Orengo.
Despite his concerns, the governor insisted that he would not be intimidated into abandoning the causes he believes in, saying the government’s objective was to slow him down in pursuing issues for which he was prepared to make sacrifices.
Mr Orengo is not the only governor whose security has reportedly been withdrawn. His Trans Nzoia counterpart, George Natembeya, has also been embroiled in a political controversy with President Ruto over development projects in his county.
